The Naples Players Expand the Cultural Experience of Theatre to Families and Children with Autism
Patrice Shields Ebella Magazine December 2017
The Naples Players Sugden Community Theatre has been a large part of the exciting experience of Downtown Naples for 64 years. Rated by The American Association of Community Theatres as one of the best theatres of its kind in the nation, The Naples Players offer a variety of plays and musicals in two intimate spaces that include the 340 seat Blackburn Hall and the 100 seat Tobye Studio that are both located in their Sugden Community Theatre on Fifth Avenue South. Although The Naples Players enjoy sold-out houses, packed with residents and tourists for most of its shows, The Naples Players new Artistic Director Bryce Alexander noted a growing group of the Southwest Florida community that was missing in the audience; families and children with Autism, Sensory Processing Disorders and other disabilities that effect a their ability to attend a show together.
“We know that people with special needs are a vibrant, positive, and important part of the Southwest Florida community, and we want them, as well as their families and friends to feel welcome at The Naples Players,” said Alexander who began as Artistic Director of the Naples Players in October 2016. Although one of the youngest Artistic Directors in the country, Alexander brought a wealth of experience to TNP including his experience leading a statewide initiative to increase the number of Sensory Friendly performances in theatres throughout the state of Colorado where he acted as Artistic Director of the Phamaly Theatre in Denver. “Individuals with special sensory needs and their families constitute a large portion of our population. The Naples Players is stepping up to provide the same quality theatre to these individuals without the overwhelming stimulus that would make attending a performance uncomfortable.”
Beginning in their 2017-2018 season, The Naples Players are including sensory screenings for two of its most exciting, family-friendly performances: Miracle on 34th Street includes a Sensory Friendly performance on December 12th, 2017 at 7:30pm, and a performance for The Music Man on March 20, 2018 at 7:30pm. As sensory-friendly screenings become more common in local movie theatres and even on Broadway, the expansion to regional and community plays and musicals is an important next step. The Naples Players is proud to participate in the national shift towards making it possible for individuals with special needs and their families to experience the same quality theatre as everyone else.
What are Sensory Friendly performances, and why are they important? For many people with special needs, sensory stimuli are overwhelming and sometimes painful. This, coupled with the fact that many people with special needs cannot sit still for long periods of time, makes it difficult for them to attend traditional performances full of loud noises and strobe lights, and where they are not able to move around or make noise. These reactions that are not under their control can make them and their families uncomfortable in public spaces, especially in cultural performances, where disruptions are considered rude and unacceptable. However, slight changes introduced in sensory-friendly performances, can transform the theatre into a place as welcoming and comfortable as their own home. During these performances, the house lights remain on during the performance, sound is turned down, movement during the performance is not restricted, and the performance is capped at 50% capacity. In addition, audience members receive a guide to the show that tells them when there might be a sensory trigger so they can prepare themselves and their families in advance. This can make all the difference in opening the doors to the experience of theater to people with special needs.
Miracle on 34th Street The Musical is the first performance of The Naples Players season to include a Sensory Friendly performance and is a show that can be enjoyed by the entire family. Based on the classic film, this heartwarming musical captures the true spirit of the season with the encouraging message that magic still exists if you just believe. Miracle on 34th Street is a heart-felt and powerful story adapted from the 1947 film into a musical by Meredith Willson in 1963. Willson is best known for his enduring story The Music Man and is responsible for holiday standard songs that include “It’s Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas.”
“The show will continue with the same artistic merit as any other show, but without the worry of disturbing other patrons,” said Alexander. “For many families, this will be the first opportunity to attend a cultural event as a complete family.”
In addition to Sensory Friendly performances, The Naples players continues to broaden their artistic reach of those they serve in the community by creating a Sensory Friendly theatre program for students and adults with special needs. The Naples Players KidzAct Youth Theatre Program partnered with local occupational therapist Mary Fellonz, owner of MF Therapy and Dr. Colleen Cornwall, founder of Able Academy to create a Sensory Friendly theatre program for students with special needs. The Naples Players Education Director Craig Price is leading the program into the future, and his personal experience with disability has been a driving factor in creating a welcoming environment that celebrates all members of the community in the theatre.
The Naples Players Sensory Friendly performance of Miracle on 34th Street is Tuesday, December 12, 2017; 7:30pm in Blackburn Hall at The Naples Players Sugden Community Theatre at 701 5th Avenue South, Naples, FL 34102. Tickets are $45 for adults, $35 for subscribers and $10 for students and educators. For tickets and more information visit www.naplesplayers.org or call (239) 263-7990 or visit their box office Monday-Friday from 10:00am to 4:00pm and Saturdays 10:00am to 1:00pm.
To learn more about The Naples Players Sensory Friendly program contact Bryce Alexander, Artistic Director of The Naples Players at balexander@naplesplayers.org or (239) 434-7340, ext. 124.